General Information

NOTE: Diagnostic procedures change every year. New diagnostic systems may be added; carryover systems may be enhanced. It is recommended that you review the information in this section to become familiar with all new and changed diagnostic procedures before trying to diagnose trouble codes.

Air Bag System - When an air bag system problem occurs, there will be both an active code and a stored code. The active code lasts only as long as the problem exists. The stored code lasts until it is erased using the DRB.

Air Bag Active Codes
Active diagnostic codes for the air bag system are not permanent and will change the moment the reason for the code is corrected. In certain test procedures codes are used as a diagnostic tool.

An active trouble code indicates an on-going malfunction. This means that the defect is there every time the air bag diagnostic module checks that circuit function. It is impossible to erase an active code until the reason for the code has been corrected.

When a malfunction is detected, the AIR BAG lamp remains lit as long as the malfunction is present.

Air Bag Stored Codes
Air bag codes are automatically stored in the ASDM's memory when the malfunction occurs.

A "stored" code indicates there was an active code present when the ignition was turned to the "off" position. However, the code currently may not be present as an active code, although another active code could be.

When a trouble code is stored, the AIR BAG warning lamp illuminates for 12 seconds (even if the problem existed for less than 12 seconds).

The code is stored, along with the time in minutes it was active, and the number of times the ignition has been cycled since the problem was detected. The minimum time shown for any code will be one minute, even if the code was actually present for less than one minute. Thus, the time shown for a code that was present for two minutes 13 seconds, for example, would be three minutes.

If a malfunction is not active while performing a diagnostic test procedure, the test will not locate the source of the problem. In this case, the stored code can indicate an area to inspect.

If no obvious problems are found, erase stored codes, and with the ignition "on," wiggle the wire harness and connectors. Recheck for codes periodically as you work through the system. This procedure may uncover a malfunction that is difficult to locate.


The air bag system diagnostic module may report any of the following diagnostic trouble codes:

For these codes, replace the air bag system diagnostic module (ASDM):
- Internal Diagnostic Module #1
- Internal Diagnostic Module #2
- Internal Diagnostic Module #3
- Low Stored Energy
- Safing Sensor Open
- Safing Sensor Short

If these codes are active codes, follow the required test sequence starting with TEST 1A - Testing System Function:
- Front Sensor Short
- Ignition 1 (Run/Start) Low
- Ignition 2 (Run Only) Low
- Initiator (Squib) Open
- Initiator (Squib) Short
- One Front Sensor Open
- Two Front Sensors Open
- Warning Lamp Short/Open

If the codes listed above are stored codes and not active codes, check for the following:
- Loose Or Corroded Connections
- Damaged Components
- Damaged Wiring